Powerful and Passionate Healthcare Professionals Podcast

You'd think a founder who's already exited TWO companies, has partnerships with global giants like Siemens, and technology tracking 10 MILLION medical samples would have investors lined up around the block.You'd be wrong.In today's episode, I break down exactly what went wrong in Javier Cuello's pitch for H+Trace—his medical traceability platform that's solving a $500M problem in healthcare.His hook? Brilliant. "Every day in the U.S., the equivalent of a jumbo jet crashes from preventable medical errors."His credibility? Unquestionable.His results? Radio silence from investors.Here's the thing: Having the right ingredients doesn't guarantee the right recipe. Even the most accomplished founders can miss the mark when it comes to communicating their value.I walk you through the exact 2-minute framework that transforms technical brilliance into investor magnetism—and reveal the specific mistakes that cost Javier the attention his breakthrough solution deserves.This isn't just another pitch critique. It's a masterclass in why the best product doesn't always win, but the best COMMUNICATED product does.Listen now on Provider's Edge (link in bio)

Everyone's excited during the demo. No one's using it six months later.Most HealthTech founders don't realize the real problem isn't adoption.It's overbuilding before your frontline champions are even heard.This week, I sat down with Jonathan McCoy, founder of vCare, and Rachel West, a nurse and clinical collaborator, to discuss how they co-created a robot assistant—CC—that's transforming the day-to-day lives of nurses in long-term care.When tech becomes indispensable, you know you've nailed product-market fit.What You'll Learn

What if the biggest blocker to your product's success isn't the tech—but the fear-filled culture it's stepping into?That's exactly what Varsha Chaugai discovered while building Evoke Health, a platform designed to digitize and streamline communication between long-term care facilities and families. Despite building the platform in just five months, the real challenge wasn't technical—it was cultural.In this episode, we uncover how founders can navigate the invisible resistance of guilt, shame, and outdated manual systems that dominate long-term care. You'll learn why transparency is often misunderstood as a threat, and how shifting the narrative to collaboration creates space for innovation to thrive.Because sometimes, the hardest code to rewrite is the one in people's minds.In this episode, you'll learn:

Most HealthTech founders collect loads of patient data…But let's be honest: dashboards don't change care plans—decisions do.I sat down with Karen Josswick to uncover how HealthTech companies can stop spinning in data loops and start building real post-acute care value.We talked workflow integration, remote care planning, and how to activate the right team talents inside your org and your buyers' orgs.If you're serious about delivering outcomes that healthcare systems value, this episode is your blueprint.

Why Most Startups Fail to Land Investors (Until This Happens)Most healthtech founders don't fail because of a bad product.They fail because they're pitching the right idea in the wrong language.This week, we pulled back the curtain on a live coaching session inside our Pitch Perfect Workshop.Here's what really separates fundable startups from ignored ones

Healthcare doesn't end at the clinic—and Luke O'Brien of Brook.AI knows that better than most. After navigating care for his father's leukemia, Luke realized just how much support patients and caregivers need after leaving the doctor's office. In this episode, we unpack how Brook.AI built a wraparound solution combining remote monitoring, 24/7 clinical care teams, EHR integration, and operational support—all without adding weight to providers or clinics.

Many startups overlook hidden vulnerabilities in their pursuit of innovation. In this episode, George Pappas, SVP of Security at Health Catalyst, discusses how healthcare systems inherit security risks through mergers, poor integrations, and neglected IT. When cyberattacks lead to patient deaths, it's not just a technical issue—it's a leadership failure. This conversation challenges the idea that compliance is enough and offers actionable insights on building a culture of risk ownership from the top down.

How does a company built on virtual second opinions become a system-wide impact engine? By blending data, empathy, and results—not just tech.In this episode, we explored what it really means to close care gaps—without forcing health systems to adopt yet another "new thing." Scott explained how they plug into existing infrastructures, using a results-based approach that leads to treatment changes in 70% of cases and diagnosis corrections in 25%.From nurse care navigators to global partnerships, Scott breaks down how founders can scale with intention, how AI + white-glove service actually works, and why impact starts with understanding—not assumptions.I've worked in ORs where we knew—if that patient had gotten a diagnosis sooner, they might've lived. That's the cost of inaccessible care. It's not about more innovation; it's about making the innovation reachable.What's one part of your solution that adds friction instead of clarity?Key Points You'll Learn:

SHOW ME THE MONEY? Not if you're a woman in HealthTech.Less than 2% of VC dollars go to women-led healthcare companies—and even fewer to women's health solutions.I spoke with Mayra Hurtado, CEO of Prelude Health, who's scaled her menopause testing startup internationally. But like so many underrepresented founders, she's still fighting for investor attention, burning time and energy trying to explain her impact to the wrong rooms.Here's what most founders don't hear enough:It's not your pitch—it's the positioning.And you don't need to fix yourself—you need a GPS for a system that was never built for you.This episode is your wake-up call if:You're stuck in the endless pitch cycleYou've got traction, but investors still don't “get it”You're overextended, doing everything, and seeing little progressLet's stop asking for permission and start building stages designed for us. It's not about working harder—it's about aligning smarter.What You'll LearnWhy brilliant products and polished pitches still don't close fundingThe hidden roadblocks women and underrepresented founders face in healthcareHow to position your innovation in a system designed to overlook youWhat “strategic alignment” really means—and how to use it to scale fasterThe story behind the creation of the HealthTech Showdown and why it mattersTimestamps:00:00:00 - VC Funding Gap: Building Your Own Stage00:02:11 - Founder Story: Wake Up Call00:05:37 - Founder Story: Pitch Misalignment00:09:14 - Four Hidden Struggles for Underrepresented Founders00:13:41 - Systemic Bias resulting to the Network Gap00:14:51 - Strategy #1: Strategic Positioning for Funding and Growth00:16:57 - Aspivix Case Study: Tailoring the Pitch to the Audience00:19:09 - Strategy #2: Having Dialogue with Investors00:19:43 - Strategy #3: Create a Understandable Framework00:20:49 - HealthTech Showdown: A Strategic Alternative to Traditional Pitching00:25:58 - Practical Steps for Founders to Succeed00:28:37 - HealthTech Showdown workshop: Mayra's Testimonial

What if your health tech solution is built on biased data, and you don't even know it?On this episode, I sat down with Beverly Miner of Consensus Cloud Solutions live from the floor of VIVE to talk about one of the most overlooked drivers of healthcare inequity—unstructured data. From missed medications to tragic delays in care, we walk through what happens when critical patient information is locked in PDFs, never reaches the right provider, and gets left out of the systems we rely on to make decisions.You'll hear what Beverly's team is doing to:Eliminate the need for costly EHR overhauls with cloud fax + data extractionSolve real problems like discharge delays, referral breakdowns, and prior auth lagImprove clinical workflow without asking care teams to learn new tech or platformsAddress health equity by first solving tech equity in underserved marketsOne of Beverly's own family members died waiting for a prior authorization. That's what drives her. This episode isn't about buzzwords—it's about fixing the backend issues that block care from reaching people who need it most.If you're a founder building in health tech, it's time to stop creating tools that live in silos or pile more work on your end users. Ask:Is your tech actually making it easier to deliver care—or just easier to sell a demo?Key Talking Points:

You built the tech. You raised the funds.But your patient outcomes? Still inconsistent.What if the real problem isn't your product… it's your patient handoff?In this episode, Dr. Colin Banas and I unpack why even the best clinical tools fail if you don't solve for the “voltage drop” in care transitions.Those invisible gaps lead to readmissions, poor medication adherence, and missed outcomes.Because nothing is more frustrating than knowing your solution works—and watching patients fall through the cracks anyway.Here's what you'll learn in this conversation:

You've got the vision. The mission. The drive.But somehow, deadlines slip, messaging splinters, and your team keeps “missing the point.”Sound familiar? This episode is your blueprint to break the cycle.I sat down with Shawna Smith to dissect a pattern I see all too often in HealthTech founders: visionary brilliance without the bridge to execution.We dug into the real reasons your strategy meetings stall, your marketing fizzles, and your partnerships fall flat—and how to fix it without burning yourself (or your team) out.—Where do you see the biggest breakdown in your organization—vision, strategy, or execution?Comment below with what tends to get lost in translation (and how you're solving it). Your insight could be exactly what another founder needs to hear today.Listen now and find out how to speed up the process from

CONFESSION TIME:You've got the traction, the tech, the team…So why do investors still walk away confused after your pitch?You're not alone.In this episode, I sat down with Heather Caouette, a communications strategist who's worked with high-growth startups and VCs, to unpack what's really going wrong when brilliant founders can't get buy-in.Spoiler: it's not your product. It's how you're telling the story.

Did you know that patients in some healthcare systems wait up to six months just to see a specialist? This isn't just an inconvenience—it's a healthcare crisis affecting millions of patients, leading to poorer outcomes, increased ER visits, and skyrocketing healthcare costs.

Did you know that 76% of healthcare tech founders experience burnout while scaling their companies? As leaders in the healthcare tech space generating $2M+ in revenue, focusing on product innovation and market strategy is crucial—but overlooking your personal wellbeing could be the hidden factor preventing your company from scaling effectively.

Is your healthcare tech solution experiencing high initial adoption but then watching patients drop off? Discover why 70% of remote monitoring platforms fail after enrollment, and learn the critical case management component that could save your $2M+ company from becoming another statistic.In this episode of Health Tech Growth, we dive deep into the "first date" phenomenon in healthcare technology - that exciting initial user engagement that quickly fades without proper clinical integration. Our expert guests reveal the missing link between technological innovation and sustainable patient adoption.What you'll learn:

"I'm stuck in my 147th meeting with decision-makers who keep saying 'just one more'..."Sound familiar? In this week's episode, I dive into the hidden barriers facing women-led healthcare innovations and why solutions that could save lives get trapped in procurement purgatory.Episode Highlights:The Hidden Barriers in Women's Health InnovationLess than 3% of venture capital funding goes to women-owned businessesWomen-led companies generate 35% higher ROI and 12% higher revenue than male counterpartsSabrina introduces the three Gatekeeper Myths from her TEDx talk that hold women founders backThe Mental MoatHow self-doubt affects even accomplished healthcare professionalsWhy your unique perspective is actually your greatest strengthSuccess story: How reframing personal experience as expertise led to partnerships with three major health systemsThe Perception DrawbridgeThe perfectionism trap that high-achieving women often fall intoWhy "doing it all yourself" leads to overwhelm and stalled growthPractical approaches to strategic delegation, automation, and elimination of non-essential tasksThe City WatchThe shocking statistic: less than 2% of medical research funding goes to pregnancy, childbirth, and female reproductive healthHow historical exclusion of women from clinical trials (pre-1993) continues to impact innovation todayRecent progress: Nearly $1 billion in new investments announced at the White House Conference on Women's Health ResearchBuilding Your Breakthrough StrategyFour proven approaches that successful women founders are using right nowHow one founder cut her sales cycle from 147 days to just 45 daysThe rise of FemTech and new opportunities across the women's health spectrumThe HealthTech Showdown OpportunityWhy Sabrina created this monthly virtual event specifically for healthcare innovatorsWhat to expect at the March 27th event focused on women's health solutionsHow to connect directly with health system leaders, investors, and successful foundersResources Mentioned:HealthTech Showdown (March 27th, 11am EST): Register at HealthTechShowdown.comSabrina's TEDx Talk "The 3% Problem: Why Women-Led Healthcare Innovation is So Hard": Watch at PulsePointPath.com/TEDx"Funding Her Future" Interview Series: Watch on YouTubeConnect with Sabrina:LinkedIn: Sabrina RunbeckWebsite: PulsePointPath.comThis episode was recorded as part of Sabrina's ongoing commitment to supporting women founders in healthcare innovation. If you found this valuable, please share with a founder who needs to hear it.Episode Timeline:00:01:18 - Challenges in Healthcare Innovation00:02:38 - Barriers for Women's Health Innovations00:04:47 - Myth #1: The Mental Mode (Self-Doubt)00:07:48 - Myth #2: The Perception Drawbridge00:13:25 - Myth #3: The Citywatch (Systematic Challenges)00:15:27 - Creating an Empowered Ecosystem00:17:45 - Key Strategies for Founders Today00:18:59 - HealthTech Showdown & Opportunities for Founders00:20:32 - The Future of FemTech00:24:39 - Conclusion & Next StepsListen

Do you desire to achieve transformative healthcare changes? How about implementing groundbreaking solutions to achieve that outcome?My special guest is Jason Spacek.Jason Spacek serves as the Vice President at BarkleyOKRP Health Innovations, boasting a robust professional background encompassing over two decades of expertise in the realms of technology, telecommunications, and healthcare. His pivotal role in driving transformative changes within the healthcare sector has been demonstrated through his focus on innovative solutions, value-based care models, and operational excellence. Jason's strategic consulting and commitment to human-centered healthcare design, payer-provider collaboration, and proactive patient care have been instrumental in reshaping primary care practices and implementing cost reduction strategies. Notably, his impactful contributions to projects in Kansas City and Phoenix underscore his dedication to creating tangible and applicable healthcare solutions that have garnered recognition within the industry.Fall in love with the problem, not the solution. What are the problems that people are having out there? Let's really understand the problems and only then can you start to build potential solutions for it. - Jason SpacekIn this episode, you will be able to:Uncovering solutions to the pressing challenges in healthcare innovation.Discovering the key to aligning payer and provider incentives for better healthcare outcomes.Unlocking the potential of value-based care models in revolutionizing healthcare delivery.Exploring the power of human-centered design in shaping innovative healthcare solutions.Understanding the profound impact of primary care on the dynamics of health insurance.Episode Timeline:00:02:46 - Challenges in Healthcare Innovation 00:04:35 - Understanding Value-Based Care 00:06:49 - The Need for Proactive Care & Incentive Alignment 00:08:07 - Rebuilding Healthcare Models from the Ground Up 00:10:58 - Human-Centered Design in Healthcare Solutions 00:14:37 - BarkleyOKRP's Role in Healthcare Innovation 00:19:39 - Rethinking the Healthcare StructureListen

Did you know the healthcare industry will need 1.2 million new nurses by 2025? Yet, the resources to educate them are dwindling.

For every dollar invested in women's health, the return is triple - yet millions of women still lack effective solutions for basic health needs.Two femtech founders are changing that equation, and one just secured a game-changing $45,000 award to scale their vision.What you'll learn:1️⃣ Sustainable Innovation Strategies: How to create products that balance environmental responsibility with clinical effectiveness2️⃣ Market Validation Techniques: Data-driven approaches to build credibility and attract investors3️⃣ Strategic Expansion Frameworks: Navigating geographical markets and regulatory landscapes4️⃣ Growth Ecosystem Building: Creating strong relationships with healthcare providers and users5️⃣ Future Integration Opportunities: Exploring the convergence of physical and digital health solutionsDiscover why every dollar invested in women's health generates a threefold return in market growth, health outcomes, and environmental impact.

Did you know that 97% of healthcare tech investors say "no" to funding opportunities? For founders generating $2M+ or having secured $5M+, this statistic often leads to mismatched pitching strategies and missed connections.

Did you know that 97% of potential healthcare tech clients aren't ready to buy right now? For founders generating $2M+, this statistic often leads to scattered marketing efforts and wasted resources.

Ever feel like scaling your business is like driving an ATV through a muddy jungle?

How Top Healthcare Tech Companies Are Doubling Growth Through Caregiver IntegrationHealthcare tech founders: are you tapping into the $347B caregiver market opportunity? While most companies focus solely on patient solutions, industry leaders are seeing 2-3x faster growth by integrating caregiver support into their strategies.

Want to know why some healthcare solutions hit $2M+ while others fade away?The secret lies in starting with clinical experience, not feature lists.

Most digital health platforms lose users after 5 days - but some achieve 220+ days of consistent engagement. The secret? Smart integration of subspecialty expertise networks.In this episode, we speak with two healthcare tech leaders who've cracked the code on turning medical expertise into sustainable revenue streams while solving critical access problems in healthcare.Trust me, this episode will change how you think about scaling your healthcare tech company!What you'll learn:

Did you know that your ability to get surgery could depend on an AI algorithm with a 90% error rate? Three seismic events in healthcare this week expose a system at its breaking point - but also reveal opportunities for innovative solutions.In This Episode:The real story behind UnitedHealthcare CEO's tragedy and why physicians' reactions signal a deeper crisisHow insurance algorithms are affecting patient care and what it means for healthcare providersWhy Anthem BCBS's attempted anesthesia policy reveals cracks in our healthcare systemPersonal insights from both sides: as a practicing clinician and patient navigating the systemThe FDA's Red 3 ban and what it teaches us about adapting to change in healthcareHow healthcare innovators can turn these challenges into opportunitiesKey Takeaways:Understanding the impact of AI in healthcare decision-makingWhy transparency matters in insurance practicesHow to build sustainable healthcare solutionsThe importance of multiple stakeholder perspectivesSteps for creating positive change in healthcareMajor Discussion Points:The Healthcare Breaking Point UnitedHealthcare's 33% claim denial rateImpact of AI algorithms on patient carePhysician frustration and system failureInsurance Industry Wake-up Call Anthem BCBS anesthesia policy attemptProvider and patient impactIndustry response and policy reversalLessons from FDA's Red 3 Ban Industry adaptation requirementsParallels to healthcare innovationPreparing for regulatory changesBuilding Better Solutions PulsePoint Path's holistic approachMultiple forms of capitalCreating sustainable changeResources Mentioned:PulsePoint Path Annual Impact Awards: PulsePointPath.com/AwardsCapital Readiness Scorecard: PulsePointPath.com/Capital-Readiness-ScorecardHealthcare Amplified Network: HealthcareAmplified.orgConnect With Us:Website: PulsePointPath.com LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/SabrinaRunbeckEpisode Timeline:00:00:52 - CEO shooting, an insurance policy reversal, and a pending FDA ban.00:01:19 - Empowering healthcare entrepreneurs and creating a positive social impact.00:03:00 - UnitedHealthcare's denial rates, revenue, and the human impact of these figures.00:06:00 - Sabrina's personal experiences navigating insurance denial and financial strain.00:09:57 - UnitedHealthcare's NH Predict algorithm on claims and care decisions.00:13:05 - Need for mandatory reporting and standardized processes for insurance claims.00:19:13 - Blue Cross Blue Shield's proposed policies and the ripple effects on patient safety. 00:22:03 - Regulatory challenges as opportunities for innovation and adaptation.00:31:13 - Breakdown of financial, intellectual, human, social, and cultural capital strategies.00:37:15 - Call to Action: Revolutionizing Healthcare Listen

How does a healthcare startup reach 200,000 users across 44 countries without spending a dollar on marketing? Our latest episode reveals the power of clinical expertise over marketing budgets.

Healthcare staff burnout is a $4.6 billion problem annually. But what if technology could be the answer we've been searching for?

Are your healthcare tech teams working overtime but missing growth targets? You're not alone. Many founders struggle to translate team effort into measurable success.

Scaling the Unscalable: How One Device is Tackling Healthcare's Biggest ChallengesCan a single device predict health events a week in advance with 92% accuracy? In our latest podcast episode, we explore how creative health monitoring tools are reshaping chronic care management and addressing some of healthcare's most pressing issues.

AI-Driven Healthcare: From App Testing to Early Disease DetectionAre you curious about how AI is transforming healthcare, from behind-the-scenes operations to life-saving diagnoses? In our latest podcast episode, we dive deep into the world of AI-powered healthcare solutions that are changing the game for hospitals and patients alike.

The Missing Link in Healthcare AI: How Founders Can Ensure Safety, Effectiveness, and EquityDid you know that despite FDA approval, many healthcare professionals remain skeptical about AI-enabled medical devices? This skepticism creates a unique challenge for healthcare tech founders in the AI space.

Did you know that social isolation costs Medicare up to $7 billion annually? It's not just a health issue, it's a massive business opportunity for innovative HealthTech companies.

Are you aware that wearable health tech is moving beyond simple tracking to actively intervene in real-time health issues? In our latest podcast episode, we explore how sensory stimulation in wearables is opening new frontiers in healthcare, from predicting hot flashes to preventing bedsores.

Health Tech Founders: Is Your Pain Management Strategy Ready for the Digital Age?Virtual reality and personalized media are reshaping how we approach chronic pain and dementia care.But are you leveraging these technologies to their full potential?

Health Tech Founders: Are You Ready for Your Next Fundraising Round?Securing capital is critical for scaling and innovating to stay competitive.But let's be honest—fundraising can feel like a never-ending cycle of pitching, burning cash, and chasing skeptical investors.

I just stared at my watch for 3 hours straight.That's how long the average provider-patient interaction takes.Mind-blowing, isn't it?But what if I told you we're on the brink of shrinking that to mere minutes?In our latest podcast episode, we dive deep into this healthcare revolution. Here's what we unpacked:1️⃣The Current State: Why healthcare is stuck in a time warp2️⃣Simpl Healthcare Revolution: The game-changer cutting interaction time dramatically3️⃣Technology Driving Change: User-friendly systems streamlining your healthcare journey4️⃣Benefits for Healthcare Organizations: Reshaping clinics from the inside out5️⃣The Patient Perspective: Enhancing care experience and health outcomes6️⃣Patient Empowerment: Putting you in control of your health data7️⃣The Future of Healthcare Tech: What's next in innovation and collaborationThis isn't just about saving time. It's about transforming lives, improving outcomes, and revolutionizing an entire industry.The future of healthcare is here. Are you ready?How would more efficient healthcare interactions transform your life or business?

Prepare to have your mind blown by the future of healthcare tech - we just dove deep into collaborative health information management, and it's about to change everything!Traditional patient portals are becoming a thing of the past.We're entering an era where seamless integration and personalized care are the new standards.Here's a sneak peek into what we uncovered:

In the competitive world of healthcare technology, scaling your business can be a daunting task.Join us as we explore the journey of Susan Davis, a nurse-turned-entrepreneur, who has successfully navigated these challenges.Discover the insights and strategies that can help elevate your healthcare tech business:1️⃣

Are you ready to transform your healthcare facility into a space that maximizes efficiency and enhances patient care?Designing effective healthcare environments goes beyond aesthetics.It's about creating spaces that support the well-being of both patients and staff.Here's what you'll learn from our latest episode:1️

Are you leveraging the power of self-awareness to drive your business success in healthcare tech?Holistic leadership isn't just a buzzword; it's a game-changer for sustainable growth.We just wrapped up an insightful episode diving into the depths of holistic leadership and its impact on business success.Here's a sneak peek into what we unpacked:1️.